Major League Lacrosse: Goettelman approaches record as Long Island hosts Toronto

After losing to Toronto and choking against Boston, the Lizards found themselves tied with the Nationals for last place. All of that is a distant memory, as the Lizards are currently sizzling, having won three straight. Now, they face the Nationals for the second of three meetings this season, as they seek not only to eliminate them, but to secure a playoff berth as well. However, there may be an even bigger story on Saturday if all goes accordingly for the MLL's longest tenured player.

No more are the days of the Lizards being called an "offensively-inept" club. After only averaging 11 PPG in the first seven contests, the Lizards are averaging 14.7 PPG during their season-high three game winning streak. During the winning streak, Attackman Zack Greer, Attackman Matt Danowski and Middie Stephen Berger have taken home the league's weekly Offensive MVP honors. Matt Danowski has been the leader on offense, as he currently ranks third in the league with 37 points, the most points scored by a Lizard in a single season since Keith Cromwell's 40 in 2008.

While much credit has to be given to the offense, one cannot forget about the defense. You know the whole cliche, "Defense wins championships." Well, the Lizards' recent additions on defense have helped spark the offensive explosion. While he has yet to win the Rookie of the Week MVP award, Parker McKee has been absolutely sensational. Since being drafted fourth overall prior to Week 5, McKee has picked up a staggering 23 groundballs. However, the defenseman has made his presence known in the transition game, setting up four goals and scoring one himself. The Lizards then got Ricky Pages back from the PUP, who has been a force to be reckoned with at LSM. In John Orsen's return in Week 8 against Chicago, the defender scored 2 goals, leading the Lizards to a 17-15 win. Through it all, the iron man, Drew Adams, the All Stars, Polanco and Spallina, as well as the Dan Cocchi, Mike Ward, and company, have helped the Lizards hold opponents to just 113 goals, or the fewest in the league.

It looks as the MLL will crown a new champion this season, as the 3-7 Toronto Nationals are in danger of missing championship weekend. After losing their first five games, the Toronto Nationals made a push for the postseason, winning three straight. However, the wheels have begun to come off the wagon, as they have now lost back to back contests. Last week's loss was a tough one to swallow, as they were missing 19 players for the World Championships, including key players such as John Grant Jr. (two-time MVP), Brodie Merrill (four-time Defensive Player of the Year), and Jordan Hall (second on Toronto with 19 points). Thus, one can sympathize for the Nationals, who lost the contest to Boston 18-10. On the brink of elimination, the reloaded Nationals will now need to win their next two contests, both of which will be played against Long Island, in order to even have a chance at the postseason. To make the postseason, they will need a combination of events, including losses by Chesapeake. However, the Nationals will do their best to win Saturday's contest and think about all of that in the week to follow.

There is one story that may even overshadow a Lizards' win Saturday, and that is of the league's most prestigious record being shattered. Having played in an MLL record 120 games, Tim Goettelmann has two games left this season to break Jesse Hubbard's record 247 goals. Hubbard played 8 years in the MLL, mostly with New Jersey. The alum out of Princeton had back to back 50 goal seasons with the Pride in what was truly a sensational career. Now, the 2009 Sportsman of the Year, Tim Goettelmann, will have a chance to shatter the record in his home park. After scoring three goals last week against Chesapeake, Goettelmann needs another hat trick to shatter the record. If this is in fact Tim Goettelmann's final season, as it has been rumored, this will also be his final home game. Is there any better way to leave Shuart Stadium than having set the MLL record?